The executive order was blocked by a U.S. district court judge, prompting the government to appeal in what is becoming an unprecedented battle over executive power. The declaration came as the state of Washington, which initially sought the restraining order, formally responded to the administration’s appeal. “We all are nevertheless unaware of any specific threat that would justify the travel ban” established by the executive order. They described Trump’s order as one of “unprecedented scope. “There is no national security purpose for a total bar on entry for aliens from the seven named country,” they wrote.

Source: Washington Post February 06, 2017 10:09 UTC